Category Archives: camera

Review: Nikon 58mm 0.95 Noct-Nikkor – The Ultimate Lens?

November 9, 2024 BastianK 23 Comments

Introduction

nikon 58mm 0.95 noct nikkor arneo nano high resolution bokeh portrait sharpness resolution lateral ca chromatic aberration aberrations zf z6 z6iii z8 z9 z7 z7ii z6ii 24mp 42mp 61mp — Nikon Z 58mm 0.95 S Noct-Nikkor on Nikon Zf

When camera manufacturers introduce a new mount, they usually also announce some fancy new lenses, which were simply not possible to design for the previous one. Canon for example did that by introducing the Canon EF 50mm 1.0L USM when they made the switch from FD to EF mount in 1989. And when Nikon made the switch from F to Z mount in 2019, it led to the release of this Nikon Z 58mm 0.95 S Noct-Nikkor, to showcase the possibilities of the much wider Z-mount. This is not only a rare, expensive and quite unpractical lens, it is also the best f/0.95 lens ever made. In the manual Nikon even goes as far as calling it the “Ultimate Lens”. Is there any truth to that? Let’s have a closer look!
Update June 2025: more sample pictures added

Sample Images

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camera, lenses, Manufacturers, Nikon, Nikon, Nikon Z, Review

REVIEW: Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S

October 27, 2024 Martin 17 Comments

Introduction

The Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S, designed primarily for demanding professionals and discerning enthusiasts, is one of the fastest autofocus lenses in the Nikkor Z lineup. While Nikon has a legacy of producing ultra-fast f/1.2 standard lenses, this is their first f/1.2 autofocus lens. Nikon’s history with f/1.2 lenses began in 1965 with the introduction of the Nikkor-S 55mm f/1.2. This was followed by the legendary Noct-Nikkor 58mm f/1.2 in 1977 and the AI-Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 S in 1981. However, after the 1980s, Nikon took a break from producing f/1.2 lenses until the advent of the Z mount system in 2018.

With the larger Z mount, Nikon aimed to overcome the limitations of their previous f/1.2 lenses by incorporating new technology. As a result, the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S was launched in September 2020.

But did Nikon succeed in meeting these high expectations? Let’s find out!

camera-icon2 I tested this lens on a 46 Mp Nikon Z 7II (Sample images taken with Nikon Zf)
You can see this review as a YouTube video here!

Sample Images

Nikon Zf | Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S | f/1.2

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camera, lenses, Manufacturers, Nikon Z, Pergear, Review

Review: Pergear 60mm f/2.8 MK2 Macro 2X – The Most Affordable 2X Macro?

October 16, 2024 Martin 7 Comments

Introduction

It seems to have become a trend among Chinese lens manufacturers to produce full-frame macro lenses with 2X magnification. Here, we have one of the most affordable options: the Pergear 60mm f/2.8 MK2 Macro 2X. Let’s dive into its strengths and weaknesses!

camera-icon2 I tested this lens on a 46 Mp Nikon Z7ii (Sample images were taken with a Nikon Zf and Nikon Zfc)
You can see this review as a YouTube video here!

Sample Images

Nikon Zf | Pergear 60mm f/2.8 MK2 Macro 2X | f/8-11

Nikon Zfc | Pergear 60mm f/2.8 MK2 Macro 2X | f/8-11

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camera, lenses, Manufacturers, Nikon Z, Review, TTArtisan

Review: TTArtisan AF 75mm f/2

September 29, 2024 Martin 24 Comments

Introduction

TTArtisan has produced several affordable and well-regarded manual lenses in recent years. Now, they’ve introduced their first full-frame autofocus lens: a 75mm f/2, available for Sony E and Nikon Z mounts at a budget-friendly price of $178. Lenses in the 50mm to 85mm range are typically known for their strong optical performance, and this focal length is particularly well-suited for portraiture and general-purpose photography, offering a slightly tighter field of view than a standard 50mm. The 75mm f/2 allows for excellent subject isolation while maintaining enough background detail to keep the blur subtly recognisable. Let’s dive into its strengths and weaknesses!

camera-icon2 I tested this lens on a 46 Mp Nikon Z7ii (Sample images were taken with a Nikon Zf)
You can see this review as a YouTube video here!

Sample Images

Nikon Z7ii | TTArtisan 75mm f/2 | f/2 — Nikon Zf | TTArtisan 75mm f/2 | f/2

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camera, lenses, Manufacturers, Nikon Z, Review, TTArtisan

Review: TTArtisan 75mm f/1.5 – A Modern and Affordable Zeiss Biotar 75/1.5?

September 27, 2024 Martin 56 Comments

Introduction

TTArtisan has done it again. After previously remaking the legendary Meyer-Optik Görlitz Trioplan 100mm f/2.8—renowned for its distinctive soap bubble bokeh—they’ve now turned their attention to another iconic lens: the Big B, or more precisely, the Carl Zeiss Biotar 75mm f/1.5. This legendary lens, famous for its swirly bokeh, sharp centre, and 3D pop, has become something of a myth over time.

While TTArtisan has never claimed to have replicated the Biotar, the lens’s shape, mount choice, and, more importantly, its optical formula leave little to the imagination about what they have aimed to mimic.

The Biotar 75mm is often called the “Original King of Bokeh,” as the popular Soviet-era Helios 40 85mm f/1.5—known simply as the “King of Bokeh”—is rumored to be based on the Biotar’s design due to their similar optical formula.

Thanks to its unique optical characteristics, limited production, and beautiful bokeh, sharpness, and 3D pop, the Biotar 75mm f/1.5 became highly sought after, eventually turning into a collector’s item. Prices on the used market soared to between $1,500 and $4,500, depending on the version and condition. Now, let’s take a closer look at TTArtisan’s remake of this iconic lens!

camera-icon2 I tested this lens on a Nikon Zf.
You can see this review as a YouTube video here!